Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi has claimed that Nigeria’s rising global terrorism ranking is a result of poor leadership, weak governance, and corruption, warning that the country’s failure to prioritize security is putting lives at risk.
Obi pointed out that, unlike many other countries where terrorism is on the decline, Nigeria is moving in the opposite direction, with insurgencies such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, escalating kidnappings, and violent attacks by armed bandits claiming lives daily.
The former Anambra Governor in a statement issued on Thursday, said these crises are a direct outcome of misplaced priorities, lack of rule of law, and persistent neglect of security, which he described as the government’s most fundamental duty.
He questioned the purpose of government if it cannot protect its citizens and expressed concern over the normalization of violence while other nations make progress in combating terrorism.
According to the statement, “The latest Global Terrorism Index report ranks Nigeria among the most terrorized nations in the world, showing one of the highest increases in deaths from terrorism. This is a painful indictment of failed leadership.
“While many countries are seeing a decline in terrorism, Nigeria is moving in the opposite direction. This trend is a direct result of misplaced priorities, weak governance, corruption, a lack of rule of law, and the persistent neglect of security, which is the government’s most fundamental duty.
“From the insurgency of Boko Haram to the growing threat posed by the Islamic State West Africa Province, the crisis of kidnapping, and unchecked violence in our rural communities by heavily armed bandits, Nigerians are dying daily while those in power continue to feast.
“What is the purpose of government if it cannot protect lives? Why are we normalizing tragedy while other nations make progress?
“This is not the Nigeria we should accept. We cannot continue down this path. It is time to move from excuses to action, and from failure to measurable progress. A safe and secure Nigeria is not too much to ask; it is the right of every citizen, and it must be delivered.